The History of Gangster Rap is a deep dive into one of the most fascinating subgenres of any music category to date. Sixteen detailed chapters, organized chronologically, examine the evolution of gangster rap, its main players, and the culture that created this revolutionary music. From still-swirling conspiracy theories about the murders of Biggie and Tupac to the release of the 2015 film Straight Outta Compton, the era of gangster rap is one that...

"How did a bunch of young people from the inner city create a genre of music that became a global phenomenon? From its humble origins at house parties in the Bronx, where DJs mixed old records to create new sounds, charismatic MCs let their clever lyrics flow, and B-boys and B-girls pioneered inventive dance moves, hip-hop quickly became a musical and cultural revolution." --

"Equal parts musicology, biography, and cultural history, Dilla Time chronicles the invention of a new kind of beat by the most underappreciated musical genius of our time"--

In this new 2022 high-definition program, learn all about the five essential elements of poetry, while studying Black poets like Amanda Gorman, Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes. Imagery, rhythm, sound, density and line are defined and exemplified in a way that encourages young students to explore their own poetic voices. Rap music also gets analyzed for its poetic elements! Detailed graphics, diagrams and exciting video reinforce important concepts....